(SPEEDWAY 1)
BIRMINGHAM promoter Graham Drury says interest levels in Thursday’s Elite League action at Perry Barr are at an all-time high.The Brummies face Midlands rivals Coventry having got the better of the Bees when the sides last met – but on this occasion, the visitors have Russian superstar Emil Sayfutdinov in their ranks.Drury said: “Our phone has not stopped ringing with calls from speedway supporters from all over the country to confirm that Emil is riding.“His inclusion will add to a great night of speedway as these two big clubs fight it out to be the top team in the Midlands, and we’re looking forward to his first appearance in such a hotbed area of the sport.” (SPEEDWAY 2)
SHEFFIELD exacted revenge over Somerset for their only home defeat of the season so far – by collecting a big away win at the Oak Tree Arena.The Tigers took all four points from a 53-40 victory as the Rebels lost at home for the first time, with former Somerset man Shane Parker starring against his old club with 13 (paid 14).Sheffield boss Eric Boocock said: “We came here with a job to do and that was to put the record straight after they beat us at our place.“We turned the tables and it was a terrific performance from the boys. We always try, whether we’re well in front or at the back, and our effort was rewarded with four league points. I’m very happy.”
(SPEEDWAY 3)
BERWICK have made a change at reserve by bringing in former Glasgow man Mitchell Davey in place of Hungarian rider Tamas Sike.But the Bandits will be without team boss Ian Rae for the immediate future as he has been hospitalised having suffered a minor heart attack, and he will undergo a routine cardiac procedure this week.Club director John Anderson said: “As someone who was unfortunately placed in a similar situation less than a year ago, I know how stressful running a speedway club can be.“Ian’s workload, ironically recognised by the club with a special presentation on Saturday night, was incalculable, and it is just awful he’s fallen ill just as we have a bright light shining in from the end of the tunnel.”
(SPEEDWAY 4)
DUDLEY mounted a remarkable fightback to take maximum points from their National League clash with Hackney – despite being 26-34 down with five heats to go.The Heathens reeled off four 5-1s out of five for a 49-41 win with Kyle Newman top-scoring on 13 (paid 14) and reserve Darryl Ritchings (11+1) also playing a key role in the closing stages.Club partner Gary Patchett said: “We had a talk with the boys at the interval, nobody was happy at that stage, and the response was absolutely remarkable. They pulled it out of the bag superbly, and it was great to see the fans’ reaction.“We didn’t have a man of the match sponsor this time, but if we had then it would certainly have gone to Darryl Ritchings. His performance was vital, and I’m personally delighted for him.”
(SPEEDWAY 5)
FORMER World Champion Jason Crump has joined the all-star line-up for Steve Johnston’s Farewell meeting at Swindon.Johnston stages his big event on Thursday June 23, just two days before the British Grand Prix at Cardiff, and Crump joins Tai Woffinden, Scott Nicholls, Simon Stead, Chris Holder and Darcy Ward as confirmed starters.Johnston said: “Jason’s a real close mate of mine. He came over in 1992, the first year I came over. He’s four years younger than me so he was only 16 or 17, though he was a lot more experienced than I was. I didn’t know him at all in the beginning but as I raced with and against him more and more, we got a really good friendship over the years. “Even now before every Grand Prix I’ll send him a message and wish him good luck, and that’s something I’ve done for years. It’s good that there’s a rider of his calibre that can do the meeting for me.”
(FIXTURES)
THURSDAY JUNE 2:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Birmingham v Coventry 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Sheffield v Redcar 7.45 STAR OF ANGLIA: Ipswich 7.30
FRIDAY JUNE 3:TEST MATCH: Great Britain v Australia (at Lakeside) 8pm PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Workington 7.30, Plymouth v Glasgow 7.30, Redcar v Sheffield 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Scunthorpe v Ipswich 7.30
SATURDAY JUNE 4:SKY SPORTS ELITE LEAGUE: Eastbourne v King’s Lynn 7.30 PREMIER LEAGUE: Berwick v Sheffield 7pm, Leicester v Plymouth 7.30, Newport v Glasgow 7pm, Rye House v Edinburgh 7pm, Workington v Somerset 7pm NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP 2nd leg: Stoke v Buxton 7.30
